Réunion

Réunion is an overseas department and region of France in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and about 175 kilometers southwest of Mauritius. It is part of the Mascarene Islands and has a volcanic origin, dominated by the active Piton de la Fournaise and the Piton des Neiges. The island’s tropical climate shows marked variation by elevation, with rainforests on the east and a drier interior; Réunion National Park protects diverse habitats.

Administratively, Réunion belongs to France, with a prefect and regional and departmental councils. It is part of the European Union, uses the euro, and its residents are French citizens. The population is around 860,000, with a mix of African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and European descent. Réunion Creole is widely spoken alongside French. Religion is diverse, with Christianity the majority, along with Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism.

Historically, the island was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century after discovery by Portuguese navigators; it was claimed by France in 1665 as Île Bourbon, renamed Réunion in 1793, and later re-integrated with France. The economy relies on services and tourism; agriculture has centered on sugarcane and vanilla, with growing fruit production and food processing. Transportation is anchored by Roland Garros Airport and port facilities. The island is known for its Creole culture, music such as maloya and sega, and a cuisine blending African, Indian, Chinese and French influences.